WOMEN IN MINING
‘ In recent years , mining companies have made a big push to change stereotypes and encourage more women to enter the sector which has seen female participation levels increase .’
into existing leadership development programs ; develop and deploy cultural competency and diversity awareness training programs ; and identify the vital behaviors necessary to create a more inclusive workplace .”
Mining juggernaut Rio Tinto is another company inspiring women to join the mining industry .
Sandy Newman , a project manager for Rio Tinto ’ s Hail Creek mine in Queensland , said female workers at Rio were already becoming more common .
“ I like to support more females coming through because the only way we are going to increase our presence in the workforce is to support each other ,” said Newman . “ I like to get the message out there because we are out on site and it ’ s hard to see where we are if we don ’ t make our presence felt in schools and universities .”
Newman adds , “ People assume there isn ’ t many of us out there , but in some areas there is quite a proportion , and we want it to become the norm , as you don ’ t want to be the odd one out . “ You want to prove you can do the job just like any guy can .”
Going forward , the mining industry will need more organizations and companies to continue empowering women to ensure gender equality is implemented in all phases of business . It ’ s not just a fairness argument ; it ’ s a necessity .
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